NAD C521i Compact Disc Player

QUICK START

1.Remove the transit screw from the bottom of the unit.

2.Connect a twin RCA-to-RCA lead from the L (left) and R (right) Line Output jacks to the corresponding CD inputs on your amplifier.

3.Plug in the AC power cord.

4.Press the green POWER button to turn on the player.

5.Press OPEN to open the disc drawer.

6.Place a CD, label side up, in the tray’s circular recess. Be certain that the disc is centred within the recess.

7.Press PLAY/PAUSE. The drawer closes automatically, and the disc begins to play.

8.At any time you may press SKIP or to select different tracks on the disc.

9.Press PLAY/PAUSE if you want to stop play temporarily while keeping the pickup at its current position on the disc. Press PLAY/PAUSE again when you want to resume playback. Press STOP if you want to end play and reset the pickup to the beginning of the disc.

NOTE ON INSTALLATION

IMPORTANT! Before installation, remove the red plastic transit screw from the bottom of the unit. Remove by turning 90° counter- clockwise and then pulling it out of its position. Never use force to remove the screw; refer also to the label attached to the transit screw. Retain the transit screw, should you need to transport the CD Player over some distance (e.g. when moving house). To avoid damage, it is important that the transit screw is replaced.

Install the NAD C521i Compact Disc player on a level, vibration- free surface. (Severe vibration, or operation in a tilted position, may cause the player to mis-track.) The player may be stacked with other stereo components, as long as there is adequate ventilation around it. If the player is placed in close proximity to a radio tuner (AM or FM), a VCR, or a television set, the operation of its digital circuits may produce static that would interfere with reception of weak broadcast signals. If this occurs, move the CD

GB player away from other devices or switch it off when viewing or listening to broadcasts.

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

1. LINE OUTPUT

Connect a cable from these jacks to your amplifier. Plug one end of a twin RCA-to-RCA lead into the L (upper) and R (lower) output jacks. Connect the other end of the cable to your stereo amplifier’s CD input, or to any other “line-level” input jacks (such as the AUXiliary inputs). Do NOT connect this cable to the amplifier’s PHONO input jacks. The RCA sockets on your NAD C521i are colour coded for convenience. Red and white are Right and Left audio respectively, and yellow for Digital Out. Ensure that leads and sockets are not damaged in any way and all sockets are firmly pushed home.

2. DIGITAL OUTPUT

The digital playback signal is available at this output jack. The serial data output is taken after the error correction but before the digital-to-analogue conversion and filtering. The output is transformer-isolated from the built-in D-to-A circuits. It may be connected to any digital signal processor that conforms to the Sony/Philips (SPDIF) standard.

To use the digital output, connect a cable from this jack to the “CD Digital” or equivalent input on a digital processor or recorder. For best results, the cable should be a 75 ohm coaxial cable of the type used for video signals, with an RCA phono plug at each end. (To distinguish them from similar phono-plug cables used for analogue audio signals, video and digital signal cables often are colour-coded with yellow plugs.)

3. AC LINE CORD

Connect this power cord to an AC mains wall outlet or to an AC convenience outlet at the rear of your amplifier.

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

1. POWER ON/OFF

Press this green button to switch on the power to the disc player. Press again and release to switch the power off. The display will light up to indicate the unit is switched on and ready for use.

2. DISC DRAWER

To play a disc, press the OPEN button to open the disc drawer. Place the CD within the large circular recess in the drawer, with its transparent playing surface facing down. The label must face UP. CD-3 discs (3-inch CD “singles”) can be played without the aid of an adapter. Place the disc in the drawer, centered in the smaller circular recess, with its label facing UP.

NOTE: This player was not designed to accommodate a “damping disc” placed on a CD, nor two CDs stacked together. It plays audio CDs and CD-RW, but not discs identified as CD-V, DVD, CD-I, CD-ROM, or PHOTO CD. Refer also to chapter “A note on CD-R and CD-RW audio discs”.

3. DISPLAY

The display provides information about playback status and about the optical pickup’s location on the disc. The displayed track/time information is obtained by reading inaudible “sub-codes” in the disc.

TRACK NUMBER Each disc is segmented into numbered tracks when the recording is made; typically each numbered track will correspond to a different song, symphonic movement, etc. These track numbers are identified on the CD package and are encoded in the disc by its manufacturer. In some CDs, at the manufacturer’s option, tracks may be sub-divided into sections identified by Index numbers. This player does not display Index numbers.

TIME Normally this display shows the time elapsed since the beginning of the current track. Using the TIME button you can switch the display to show the remaining number of tracks and playing time to the end of the disc. When you load a different disc and use the OPEN button (No. 4) to close the disc drawer, the display shows the number of tracks and the total playing time of all the tracks on the disc.

REMAIN REMAIN lights up in the middle of the display if you have pressed the TIME button to show the remaining number number of tracks and time of the disc.

REPEAT 1 “REPEAT” and “ONE” light up respectively in the left and upper-left corner during repeat-play of a single track. “REPEAT” and “ALL” light up during repeat-play of the entire program or disc.

RANDOM When the C521i’s random mode has been selected, “RANDOM” will be shown in the Display Panel.

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NAD owner manual NAD C521i Compact Disc Player

C521i specifications

The NAD C521i is a distinguished CD player that resonates with audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike, offering a blend of simplicity and cutting-edge technology. Designed for those who appreciate high-fidelity sound, the C521i integrates several features and characteristics aimed at delivering an exceptional listening experience.

At its core, the NAD C521i utilizes a precision-built CD transport mechanism that ensures accurate playback. This component is crucial as it minimizes jitter—an undesirable distortion that can occur during digital audio processing. The result is a clear, detailed sound with charismatic warmth that appeals to both classic and contemporary music lovers.

One of the standout features of the NAD C521i is its advanced Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). This high-quality DAC provides superior sound quality, allowing for a more dynamic range and richer tonal balance. By converting digital signals into analog output with incredible precision, the C521i enhances the audio experience, ensuring that every note and nuance is faithfully reproduced.

The user-friendly design of the C521i makes it easy to navigate through your music collection. With an intuitive interface and a remote control, users can swiftly access tracks and adjust settings without hassle. Additionally, the player supports a variety of CD formats, including standard CDs, CD-R, and CD-RW, making it versatile enough for various media types.

The NAD C521i also features an onboard headphone amplifier, which allows listeners to enjoy private listening sessions without sacrificing sound quality. The dedicated headphone output is designed to drive a range of headphones effectively, making it a convenient choice for audiophiles who prefer personal listening.

Furthermore, its sleek and minimalist design ensures that the C521i fits seamlessly into any audio setup. The construction quality reflects NAD's commitment to durability, using premium materials while maintaining an approachable aesthetic. With carefully placed vents for effective cooling and robust build quality, the C521i is engineered to endure years of use.

In conclusion, the NAD C521i stands out as an exceptional CD player that combines superior technological features with ease of use. Its commitment to sound quality, ease of navigation, and robust construction make it a treasured addition to any audio system, delivering a truly immersive listening experience for music aficionados.